Joe Paterno, Penn State University Found Culpable in Jerry Sandusky Cover-Up

Joe Paterno and other Penn State University engaged in a major cover-up to hide years of child abuse at the hands of former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.

So state the findings of a new independent investigation into the horrific world of the man recently convicted on 45 charges of sexual assault against minors.

According to The Freeh Group, a task force hired by the University Board of Trustees, Paterno "failed to protect against a child sexual predator harming children for over a decade."

The reports goes on to cite the famous, late football coach numerous times - and also includes references to Penn State president Graham Spanier, Athletic Director Tim Curley and Vice President Gary Schultz - and states the leaders "repeatedly concealed critical facts" in order to stave off bad publicity for the school.

Based on interviews and emails, the group alleges Paterno knew about Sandusky's appalling, illegal actions since March 1998 and never acted to deny his co-worker access to young boys.

"They showed no concern about the victim," the report reads. "At the very least, Mr. Paterno could have alerted the entire football staff, in order to prevent Sandusky from bringing another child into the Lasch Building."

Paterno, who passed away in January of lung cancer, is classified as contributing to a list of "catastrophic failures" by the university to stop a child predator in his tracks.

It's a damning litany of accusations against a man long considered to be one of the most revered sports figures of the 20th century.